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Japan’s rising son debuts in F4 SEA

3.7 mins

08/02/18

Japanese karting champion Hibiki Taira won podiums in his first formula car race when he contested the fourth event of the 2017-18 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship – certified by FIA. The six-race F4 SEA event – fueled by Petron – was held in conjunction with the Asian Le Mans ‘4 Hour of Sepang,’ last weekend.

Impressing his peers with his racecraft, the Okinawa-native battled hard with the frontrunners of the competition for a chance at a spot in the winner’s circle. Hibiki, who had been immediately on the pace in testing, exhibited the amazing trait of only the best: consistency.

In Tests 1 to 3, he was hovering just tenths away from his best times: 2:16.559 in the first session and 2:16.462 in the second.

Such was his thirst for speed and victory that the test culminated in his personal best of 2:16.158. This effort shot him to second place on the score board, and his first runner-up position of the weekend.

Qualifying saw the rookie Japanese F4 driver clock an impressive time of just 2:13.615, representing a colossal, two-and-a-half second improvement over his best time in Test 3.

The first race cemented Hibiki the mid-field while the second gave him his first taste of life on the podium, having battled lap after lap with Eshan Pieris who pipped him to the finish line.

F4 SEA Promoter Peter Thompson remarked: “the live streaming of the battle between Hibiki and Eshan featured some of the best junior driver racing I’ve witnessed in the last ten years. Both drivers were extremely impressive and showed enormous talent and ability and are truly Asia’s stars of the future.”

The duel continued with Eshan in Race 3, unfortunately resulting in both drivers spinning out of the race at Turn 9.

In the fourth race Hibiki set his fastest time of the weekend, but it was the last two races which saw him on the runner-up step, inches away from victory.

Ending his weekend of spectacular racing action in fifth place with 28 points, the Japanese star was just 5 points away from the overall event champion, Mitchell Cheah. Hibiki’s fighting spirit and determination for victory is truly commendable and his professionalism sets the bar for the rest of the championship contenders.

Formula 4 SEA will return for the final round of the championship soon. Follow our social media pages to keep abreast with future happenings and to relive all of the action from the weekend.

F4 SEA

Formula 4 SEA is the first step for young drivers looking to reach LMP1, GT1 or F1. The Championship is designed to transition 15-19 year old karters into formula racing, giving them the foundation they need to get into GT racing or F1.

In the 2017-18 F4SEA visited Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, for a 30-race 5-event Championship.

Need to Know More?

It is really good that F4 SEA is here, as I believe it will help boost the local racing scene and provide a strong base for the growth of motorsports.

Presley Martono

2016 F4 SEA Champion

MERITUS.GP is the best around!

As far as I’am concerned, MERITUS.GP (F4 SEA engineering services provider) is the best around. I have no hesitation to recommend them if a driver wishes to take up single seater racing. They know what they do and what’s more important they are honest and take seriously on what they do.

Afiq Ikhwan

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Champion

MERITUS Provided a Fantastic Service!

For a driver aiming to get to Formula 1, MERITUS.GP is the team to be with. They have all the stepping stones in place and skills required to get to Formula 1.

Earl Bamber

24H LeMans 2017 Champion

It was Fantastic!

It was fantastic to win my first FIA Championship with MERITUS.GP in 2009. AFter my success with the team in Formula BMW I went on to win in GP2 and GP3 in Europe. Formula 4 replaces Formula BMW and for sure it is the best step after karting.

Rio Haryanto

Manor F1 Driver

A Great Success

AsiaCup by MERITUS.GP was a great success and I recommend the Formula 4 SEA by MERITUS.GP for those drivers seeking a professional career in the sport!